Why I need tobacco license in California?
 

You are required to apply to the tobacco and cigarette license in order to sale cigarette and tobacco products in the state of California. You may have to obtain state and the city licenses.

Who is required to obtain and maintain a Retailer's License?

In accordance with the California Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003 (Act), every retailer who sells or will sell cigarettes or tobacco products in California is required to obtain a retailer's license from the Board of Equalization (BOE) and renew it annually. This licensing requirement is in addition to other permits and licenses that may be required depending on your business operations. A retailer's license is required before you begin making sales of cigarettes and tobacco products in California."Retailer" means a person who sells cigarettes or tobacco products directly to the public from a California retail location, including vending machines.

What are the requirements to obtain and maintain a retailer's license?

Every retailer currently selling cigarettes or tobacco products must apply for and obtain a cigarette and tobacco products retailer's license. All new applications must be submitted with a one-time license fee of one hundred dollars ($100) for each retail location selling cigarettes or tobacco products. Each retail location selling cigarettes or tobacco products must have a separate license. A license is valid for a 12-month period, is not assignable or transferable, and must be renewed annually. There is no additional cost for this renewal. However, if you fail to renew your license timely and allow your license to expire, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee of $100.00 as a precondition for reinstatement. Please remember that you may not sell cigarette and/or tobacco products without a valid Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retail License.